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D3887-96 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Referenced Documents
ASTM D3887-96 (Reapproved 2008) establishes standard tolerances for knitted fabrics, covering properties such as yield, mass (weight), width, length, fabric count, bursting strength, moisture regain, thickness, extractable matter, and fiber composition. This specification applies to all types of knitted fabrics, including warp knits, weft knits, and flat bed knits. The values in SI units are the standard, with inch-pound equivalents in parentheses for informational purposes only. The standard does not address all safety concerns, leaving users to establish appropriate health and safety practices.
Key referenced documents include ASTM test methods like D3773 for length, D3774 for width, D3776 for mass per unit area, D3786 and D3787 for bursting strength, D2257 for extractable matter, and D629 for fiber composition. Additionally, it references the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products Labeling Act. Note that D2654 for moisture in textiles has been withdrawn, so alternative methods should be considered.
| 🟦 Property | 📏 Test Method | 📐 Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bursting Strength | D3786 / D3787 | Diaphragm or ball burst test |
| Width | D3774 | Textile fabric width measurement |
| Mass per Unit Area | D3776 | Fabric weight determination |
| Length | D3773 | Fabric length measurement |
| Extractable Matter | D2257 | Non-fiber content analysis |
| Fiber Composition | D629 | Quantitative analysis of textiles |
⚙️ Tolerances and Test Methods
Tolerances for each property are determined using specific test methods from ASTM. For example, bursting strength is assessed via D3786 (diaphragm bursting strength tester) or D3787 (constant-rate-of-traverse ball burst test). Width and length are measured per D3774 and D3773, respectively. The standard emphasizes using the latest editions of all referenced methods. Commercial mass, defined in the terminology, is calculated based on moisture regain and material condition, such as CMRU for unscoured man-made fibers or CMRS for scoured materials. This ensures accurate billing and quality control in textile production.
Sampling procedures follow MIL-STD-105D, providing a statistical basis for inspection. The standard includes definitions for key terms like bursting strength and commercial mass.
| 🟦 Term | 📐 Definition |
|---|---|
| Bursting Strength | The force or pressure required to rupture a fabric by distending it under specified conditions |
| Commercial Mass | Billed weight as determined by generally accepted methods or agreement between purchaser and seller |
✅ Proper adherence to D3887 ensures consistent fabric quality and compliance with commercial specifications. Always reference the latest ASTM editions for accurate testing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What properties are covered by ASTM D3887? The standard covers tolerances for yield, mass, width, length, fabric count, bursting strength, moisture regain, thickness, extractable matter, and fiber composition.
💡 Which test methods are referenced for bursting strength? Bursting strength is tested using D3786 (diaphragm method) or D3787 (constant-rate-of-traverse ball burst test).
⚡ How is commercial mass defined? Commercial mass is determined based on moisture regain and material condition, such as CMRU for unscoured man-made fibers, as agreed between purchaser and seller.
📌 What fabric types does this standard apply to? It applies to all knitted fabrics, including warp knits, weft knits, and flat bed knits.